Mobile Computing Task Force - April 1, 2009 Minutes

Present: Paul Kreider, Chad Dennis, Bradley Dilger, Richard Chamberlain, TJ Urbanski, Phyllis Self, Mike Dickson, John Cooper, Sharon Evans, Sam Edsall, Matt Clark, Bill Knox, Dawn Sweet, Bill Howard, Dan Romano, Matt Biermann, Jill Myers

February minutes were approved with no changes necessary.

WESL Mobile Learning Interest

• Paul Kreider spoke to Murali Venugopolan from WESL Institute. He said WESL is definitely considering implementing the use of iPod Touches. There are no specifics now but Murali is interested in moving forward and joining the Task Force. He was unable to attend this meeting due to traveling, but plans to be present in the future.

Nominations for Mobile Computing Task Force co-chair, and Faculty Preparation Subcommittee Chair

• Dr. Self was nominated, and seconded to replace Dr. Smith-Skripps as she moves into retirement. The nomination was approved unanimously.
• Chad Dennis and Dawn Sweet were nominated as co-chairs for the MCTF Faculty Preparation Subcommittee Chair. The nomination was approved unanimously.

TechFest Update

• Will be held April 15th 11am – 1pm.
• 12 Individuals will be representing the MCTF (M. Dickson – Will be providing an address about the past 10 years of technology. The following people will be setting up table top demonstrations pertaining to mobile technology and podcasting – P. West, C. Dennis, S. Evans, S. Edsall, J. Myers, B. Hommel, J. Howerter, H. Dunlap, S.West, A. Falcone, and S. Cordes.
• D. Sweet will work with committee chair to get MCTF displays grouped together. This may be somewhat of a challenge given 45 displays and small space.

iTunes U Interface Design

• Dawn Sweet and Chad Dennis shared a mock-up of a projected new iTunes U interface design for the entry page of iTunes U.
• There was a discussion of the banner/log at the top of the page. It was decided that we wanted to incorporate active shots of faculty and students using emergent technology. Bill Howard is going to be contacting the instructor of the advanced graphic design course to see if students in that course would be interested in designing the new look of the banner/logo for iTunes U as a class project.
• It was discussed whether to go with the proposed three, column layout or two-column layout. The three-column layout allows for a more expansive sectioned and visual design whereas the two-column allows for moving into the tabbed layout you see under courses. The group favorably decided to go with the three-column layout.
• Discussed addition, modification, and removal of various links and sections. Dawn and Chad will work with various entities to finalize and modify the prototype where necessary.
• Dawn and Chad will contact Darcie Shinberger from University Relations and a member of Institutional Research for feedback on plans for front page of iTunes U.
• After meeting with these stakeholders a discussion will continue to determine who should have the rights to add, modify, and remove content from the front page of iTunes U.
• Dawn and Chad will contact Darcie Shinberger from University Relations and a member of Institutional Research for feedback on plans for front page of iTunes U.
• After meeting with these stakeholders a discussion will continue to determine who should have the rights to add, modify, and remove content from the front page of iTunes U.
• Dawn and Chad will provide a summary of the entire discussion during the April 14th meeting of the iTunesU/Podcasting subcommittee.

Mobile Technology Use Survey Findings

• Sean Cordes provided key points and findings from the survey on mobile computing.
• Provided an overview of the growth areas.
• Sean will split the results to focus on student and faculty separately.
• There were 940 respondents and 120 comments were provided.
• Some of the common points of opposition were lack of connectivity, concern about inappropriate use in the classroom, support unavailable for particular devices (e.g. Blackberry).
• There was a question that arose wondering if we could get funding in order to get more individuals to participate in surveys, etc. Paul Kreider is going to talk with Beth Seaton regarding funding. Bill Knox also suggested looking to the IBHE as a source.

Update on Mobile Computing Podcast

• TJ asked in what other ways do we want to market this piece?
• It is currently posted on YouTube, is it posted on iTunes U?
• It was suggested that we do another round of pod/vodcasting to show what students across campus are doing with their mobile technologies inside and outside of the classroom.
• We discussed possibly putting the vodcast on Channel 3.
• Dean Self encouraged that there is more need for publicity for our efforts. She encouraged everyone to make presentations at conferences such as Educause. She was going to talk to the Deans Council about encouraging this and Sharon Evans was going to talk to the chairs council.

Representatives from the Quad Cities Campus

• It was suggested that Christopher David and Lloyd Kilmer from the Quad Cities campus be added to the committee.

Subcommittee Updates

• Mike Dickson reported that 31 classrooms will be completed this year. Additionally, this group has been able to provide support to COFAC in order to possibly put iPods in practice facilities. The group is continuing to work on solving issues with old and new equipment compatibility.
• Sharon Evans reported that the Broadcasting department laptop letters have been sent out. They have talked with the credit union. The computers for their faculty have arrived as part of the faculty upgrade program.
• Dawn Sweet reported that COEHS is currently putting together recommended laptop options for each department in their college and are moving towards having this information up on respective websites in May.
• Jill Myers and Bill Howard reported positive progress in their podcasting endeavors.

Meeting was adjourned at 4:28p.m.

The next meeting is to be held: May 20, 2009 at 3:00p.m. in Horrabin Hall Room 1.